Noel Noir
By Andrew Stevens and Kim Swift, We Came in Peace
“The concept is a dark twist on the classic holiday fête, using elements of mystery, drama, and Old Hollywood glamour. A speakeasy meets an underground masquerade in a cinematic pleasure palace, and the mood is set with a minimal palette of black and white. Finding a perfect venue is key; architectural details and grand spaces with an oversize fireplace are ideal. Then pools of smoky light are interspersed with gobos casting slatted-blind texture on the walls and floors. A lush tableau of exotic hors d’oeuvres spans the space, illuminated by tiers of candelabras. Reinterpretations of classic seasonal themes are woven into the space, such as a forest of suspended Christmas tree chandeliers, composed of blackened branches and adorned with ornaments. Entertainment is a smorgasbord of vices, including gambling, hand-rolled cigars, on-site tattooing, and private shows by shadow dancers. The soundtrack for the evening is provided by a live jazz band that performs holiday classics.”
Rendering: Courtesy of We Came in Peace
Noel Noir
“Noel Noir is inspired by the moody black-and-white scenes of old Hollywood, with a cheeky holiday twist.”
Noel Noir
“Nightcap: The bar serves martinis with an emphasis on seasonal cocktails featuring absinthe or whiskey.” Absinthe Verte from St. Georges Spirits (510.769.1601, stgeorges spirits.com)
Photo: Courtesy of Jason Heilig
Noel Noir
Toronto venue: “The Grand Banking Hall in this turn-of-the century tower has magnificent details and timeless charm, perfect for event and parties.” One King West
Photo: Courtesy of the Desmond Tutu Center
Noel Noir
The Grand Banking Hall.
Photo: Courtesy of One King West Hotel & Residence
Noel Noir
“Layers of antique books add height and interest to tablescapes.” Book prop from Juniper Books
Photo: Juniper Books LLC/Juniperbooks.com
“Exotic birds add drama and interest to buffets and gifting areas.” Taxidermy, pricing varies, available in New York from Lost and Found Props
Photo: Theo Vamvounakis
Noel Noir
“Deco-inspired lines with a modern, high-gloss finish make this perfect for a room-spanning display.” Bubble dining table from the High Style collection, $425, available in New York, Miami, and L.A. from Luxe Event Rentals
Photo: Courtesy of Luxe Event Rentals
Noel Noir
“A decadent reimagination of the dessert-table staple.” Gilded chocolate-covered strawberries from Canard Inc.
Photo: Courtesy of Canard Catering
Noel Noir
“Earthy, sweet figs bound with savory prosciutto are a delicious way to start the festivities.” Devils on Horsebacks from Canard Inc.
Photo: Courtesy of Canard Catering
Noel Noir
“Transform the typical cheery holiday fireplace into a multihued, dramatic centerpiece.” Mystical Fire Retail 50 Pack, $57.50 from Mystical Distributing
Photo: Courtesy of Mystical Fire
Noel Noir
“Perfect for displaying all sorts of holiday curiosities.” Bell jar, $19.95 from Crate & Barrel
Photo: Courtesy of Crate & Barrel
Noel Noir
“Nothing sets the mood better than an authentic live orchestra and crooning front man.” Michael Arenella & His Dreamland Orchestra
Photo: Len Spoden Photography
Noel Noir
“A classic silver multi-armed candelabra towers over the tablescape. Pair with black taper candles.” Silver standing candelabra from Party Rental Ltd.
Photo: Courtesy of Party Rental Ltd.
Noel Noir
Andrew Stevens and Kim Swift are co-founders of We Came in Peace in New York. The creative studio specializes in experience and production design, art direction, and narrative environments. Clients include Art Basel, Microsoft, Schick, and Porsche.
Photo: Daniel Cavazos
The Snowball Lounge
By Jaime Geffen & Brian Worley, Your Bash!
“The concept starts with a customized invite to the lounge. Upon entry, snow machines will have people making snowmen as an interactive activity. Inside, white fur-lined linens and fur-capped Chiavari chairs are set against antler candlesticks, votive holders, and fireplaces. Oversize silver frames with wood paneling, alternating with white sheer drapes and a variety of contemporary furniture, provide the groundwork for winter-inspired accessories like large lacquer deer and fur-and-antler-inspired pillows. The menu is cozy and festive, with items such as mixed berry and gingerbread trifles, roasted chestnut truffles, and specialty cocktails.”
“The concept starts with a customized invite to the lounge. Upon entry, snow machines will have people making snowmen as an interactive activity. Inside, white fur-lined linens and fur-capped Chiavari chairs are set against antler candlesticks, votive holders, and fireplaces. Oversize silver frames with wood paneling, alternating with white sheer drapes and a variety of contemporary furniture, provide the groundwork for winter-inspired accessories like large lacquer deer and fur-and-antler-inspired pillows. The menu is cozy and festive, with items such as mixed berry and gingerbread trifles, roasted chestnut truffles, and specialty cocktails.”
Rendering:
The Snowball Lounge
“For the table setting, fur chair caps and gorgeous white linens with unique and festive centerpieces tie the whole look and theme together.” Table linens and chair covers, pricing varies, from Wildflower Linens
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Snowball Lounge
“Cookies and trifles are gorgeous and delicious.” Catering by Alligator Pear Catering in Canoga Park, California
Photo: Courtesy of Alligator Pear Catering
The Snowball Lounge
“Create a warm glow and ambience with an enclosed fireplace.” Black fireplace, $300, available in New York, Las Vegas, and Palm Beach from Taylor Creative
Photo: Courtesy of Taylor Creative
The Snowball Lounge
L.A. venue: "Start with a blank canvas and let the holiday spirit take over at the Book Bindery in Culver City."
Photo: Courtesy of the Bookbindery
The Snowball Lounge
“Peppermint twists help guests toast to a joyous night.”
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Snowball Lounge
“Get your guests excited with a custom invitation created by Cocodot.”
Photo: Courtesy of Coco Dot
The Snowball Lounge
“Antlers and white furniture add to the modern and sleek holiday decor.” Furnishings by AB Elements, accessories by Z Gallerie
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Snowball Lounge
Jaime Geffen and Brian Worley are the creative duo at YourBash! in Santa Monica, California. The full-service event production company has worked on movie premieres, product launches, and green events including Fox’s American Idol finalist party, the Foundation Polo Challenge, and the Teen Choice Awards.
Photo: Courtesy of YourBash!
The Holiday Aquatic
By Britt Whitfield, Revel Global Events
“This distinctly visceral experience for holiday revelers challenges their ideas of a classic holiday party. The theme is nautical and fantastical and elegant without losing the warmth and nostalgia of the season. It surprises the guest’s palate and eye—traditional elements are alluded to, but made both contemporary and graceful. Suspended from the ceiling, an oversize octopus mobile with gold sequins will wrap her tentacles around the room to serve as a visual anchor for the space. Subtle hints of red and green are woven throughout this whimsical underwater world to retain the whisper of the season. People leave our aquatic Eden swimming with ideas about how they can update their own holiday traditions.”
“This distinctly visceral experience for holiday revelers challenges their ideas of a classic holiday party. The theme is nautical and fantastical and elegant without losing the warmth and nostalgia of the season. It surprises the guest’s palate and eye—traditional elements are alluded to, but made both contemporary and graceful. Suspended from the ceiling, an oversize octopus mobile with gold sequins will wrap her tentacles around the room to serve as a visual anchor for the space. Subtle hints of red and green are woven throughout this whimsical underwater world to retain the whisper of the season. People leave our aquatic Eden swimming with ideas about how they can update their own holiday traditions.”
Rendering: Courtesy of the Revel Group
The Holiday Aquatic
“Miniature sequins between panels of silver damask on the linen.” From Private Label Linens
Photo: Steven E. Gross
“Contemporary white lounge furniture slips serpentinelike throughout the space, providing a respite from dancing.” Sofa from Lounge 22, available in Los Angeles, New York, Las Vegas, Chicago, and other cities from Cort Events
Photo: Courtesy of Cort Event Furnishings
Chicago venue: “Few spaces undergo a deep-sea transformation as easily as the River East Art Center, which features a canvaslike atrium and atmospheric water wall.”
Photo: Courtesy of the River East Art Center
“Vessels encrusted with sequins and mirrors give way to red coral branches, tucks, orchid blossoms, amaryllis blooms, thistle, and protea.” Floral accents designed by Whitfield’s partners at Revel Decor
Photo: Steven E. Gross
“An artisan soda bar offers snow-cone syrup flavors, with infusions like hibiscus basil orange blossom and fig vanilla black pepper.” From Jo Snow Syrups
Photo: Melissa Yen
“A Bubble Man is adorned in vintage scuba gear to further intensify the underwater fantasy world.” From Redmoon Theater
Photo: Courtesy of Renegade Craft Fair
“The menu is both indulgent and appropriately seaworthy, with squid ink cones filled with smoked trout and sesame-scented crème fraîche.” Hors d’oeuvres by Paramount Events
Photo: Steven E. Gross
Britt Whitfield is C.E.O. of Revel Global Events in Chicago. The event marketing and management agency has worked on events for the University of Chicago, Teknion, and the Chicago Cubs.
Photo: Courtesy of Britt Whitfield
